Last updated on March 4th, 2019 at 05:12 am
Black Hawk is a small casino town nestled in the Rocky Mountains about 45 minutes west of Denver. I have spent a few weekends in Black Hawk and always enjoy it.
Locals have mixed feelings about Black Hawk. Some love it, while others could care less. It is easy for an old mining town turned casino town to be overlooked, but I believe that there are many things to do in Black Hawk, CO for gamblers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike!
See Also: A Weekend in Estes Park
How to get to Black Hawk, CO
From Denver, take I-70 W to CO-58 towards Golden/Central City. That will turn into US-6 W towards Clear Creek. Continue onto CO-119 and then turn right onto Richman St.
There is also a casino shuttle bus which departs from Aurora, Denver, and Lakewood, if you prefer not to drive. If you are coming from the airport, take the train from DIA to Union Station and catch the casino shuttle to Black Hawk or Central City. The shuttle costs $20 round trip if you pay online.
Where to Stay
We stay at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, which has nice rooms for about $200 a night, depending on the dates.
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The Ameristar Casino has a large indoor pool, with a very large indoor hot tub as well as an outdoor hot tub and patio. We always spend some time soaking before heading to the casino. There are many lounge chairs inside and out.
The Ameristar Casino
The casino is usually buzzing with excitement, especially on Saturday nights. The lowest tables for Blackjack are usually a $10 minimum bet, but as it gets later, the lowest table will be closer to a $15 minimum. Most of the other tables are around a $25 minimum.
The tables get really busy towards the end of the night and it can be hard to find a seat. However, there are many slots at the Ameristar, so it is usually not hard to find an open one.
Other than the Ameristar Casino, there are 17 other casinos in Black Hawk/Central City area that are worth checking out.
Things to do in Black Hawk, CO
There is not much else to do in Black Hawk because the town is mostly made up of casinos. Central City, which is about 6 minutes away from Black Hawk, has a couple other things to do, such as:
Gilpin History Museum
Explore what it is like to have lived in a mining town at this museum. Admission is $6.
Address: 228 E 1st St, Central City
Thomas House Museum
This museum was the house of the Thomas family and has been preserved since 1917. Admission is $6.
Address: 209 Eureka St, Central City
Hidee Gold Mine
Mine for your own gold at Hidee Gold Mine. The mine tour for an adult is $23.95 and it is recommended to book in advance.
Address: 1950 Hidee Mine Rd, Central City
Coeur d’Alene Mine
See ancient mining equipment at this mine shaft house from 1885. Admission is $5.
Address: 110 Academy Hill, Central City
Gilpin County Arts Association Gallery
Located in the Washington Hall, the original courthouse and jail of Gilpin County, this gallery displays art from Rocky Mountain artists.
Address: 117 Eureka St, Central City
Reliving the Past Studio
Escape into the past at this studio where you can don the attire that was once worn in the wild west. Price for one person and one photo printed is $40.
Address: 125 Main St, Central City
Central City Opera House
The opera house built in 1878 is utilized by a prestigious professional opera company that puts on a variety of shows. Admission varies based on performance.
Address: 124 Eureka St, Central City
Old West Shootouts
Every Saturday starting on June 15th through August, experience old west shows and shootouts on Main street from noon to 4 pm.
Address: Near Main Street, Black Hawk
Ghost Towns
Near Black Hawk are three old abandoned mining towns: Nevadaville, Apex, and Russell Gulch. Explore the ruins of these once prosperous towns. Nevadaville is the closest, only 8 minutes outside of Black Hawk. Visit in the summer so you don’t have to worry about the snow.
Things to do near Black Hawk, CO
Black Hawk is only about 25 minutes from Idaho Springs, known for the Indian Hot Springs. During ski and snowboard season, Loveland and Arapahoe Basin Ski Areas are within an hour of Black Hawk and Eldora Mountain Resort is only about 40 minutes away.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is about 15 minutes away and provides trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing, as well as campsites and fishing. Admission to the park is $7 per vehicle.
See Also: Tips for hiking in Colorado
Arapaho National Forest is also nearby, which provides more trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and other outdoor activities at no cost. Saint Mary’s Glacier is a beautiful hike that leads to a snowfield.
Locations of Activities in Black Hawk/Central City
Is Black Hawk worth visiting?
While I wouldn’t stay for more than a weekend, I believe there is something in this little town for everyone. If you like gambling, enjoy a close mountain getaway, and are interested in Colorado’s mining past, Black Hawk is a great place to visit!
Have you done any of these things in Black Hawk?
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